Cal Fire issues red flag warning for much of California

Cal Fire has issued a red flag warning for much of California this weekend; though San Luis Obispo County was not included, both Monterey and Santa Barbara counties were.

A swath of the central Sierra Nevada and several counties in Northern California were also put on alert.

“Conditions are extremely dry and warm. With an abundance of tinder dry vegetation, it is critical to avoid any activity with open flames or that may cause a spark,” a Cal Fire statement read.

The National Weather Service issues red flag warnings “to alert fire departments of the onset, or possible onset, of critical weather and dry conditions that could lead to rapid or dramatic increases in wildfire activity.”

Dangerous weather conditions include low relative humidity, strong winds and dry fuels.

“During heightened fire danger, Cal Fire will place additional firefighters on duty, staff more fire engines and keep more equipment on 24 hours a day to be able to respond to any new fires,” the agency said.

This story was originally published December 15, 2017 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Cal Fire issues red flag warning for much of California."